Samoa Joe Defends ‘Controversial’ Comments, Two Long-Time WWE Names Return at Tribute to the Troops

Samoa Joe got some heat from social media this week after making a few comments about the upcoming WWE Mixed Match Challenge, which he will be taking part in. Here was the original tweet from the former NXT Champion:

“Due to the impending #WWEMMC , I will now have a full time towel attendant ringside while I pummel the other male participants in the tournament unconscious.”

Some on social media accused Joe of burying the women’s division and not seeing his potential partner in the mixed tag tournament as an equal in the ring. Others defended his comments as simply “playing heel” and sticking to his character on Twitter. Joe came back later with the following:

“How you interpret it is your business does not matter if it is a man, woman, or alien (extraterrestrial if you must). You stand in the corner hold my towel and don’t mess up my tournament run. I have equal opportunity disdain for all just in case anyone feels left out.”

WWE Names Return at TTTT

Lillian Garcia returned at this week’s Tribute to the Troops special on the USA network. While the long-time WWE announcer is no longer with the company in any official full-time capacity, she is occasionally brought back for special events. Lillian opened the show with the national anthem, and also did the official ring introductions for many of the matches.

John Bradshaw Layfield, who left the company earlier this year to pursue other endeavors, also made his return to join Michael Cole and Byron Saxton at the commentary table. JBL is credited with inventing the Tribute to the Troops concept.